The Pilot Line Engineer/Scientist actively participates in the pilot line team, focusing on developing new foam technologies, which can be implemented to grow our foam markets domestically and internationally as wellas support our existing production facilities with cost effective developmental improvements to lower operating costs and increase yields. This role provides technical support for foam processing by performing
diverse skilled tasks in the areas of pilot line foam extrusion, maintenance, and inventory. This individual operates the equipment that is used to produce the highly complex processes that create low density XPS
foam. In addition, the role provides fundamental support such as material shipping and receiving for the Tallmadge Science and Technology site.
Reports to: Tallmadge S&T Lab Leader
Span of Control: Individual Contributor with room to grow
Job Responsibilities
Implements a personal safety action plan and reviews with leader
Regularly participates in monthly safety meetings
Ensures rigorous compliance to safety procedures and OC corporate policies
Focuses on sustaining a safe work environment for self and coworkers
Translates work safety knowledge to personal/home.
Executes Pilot Line Foam Extrusion
Participates in scheduled foam formulation review meetings.
Works closely with pilot line team in decision making regarding trial setups and contribute to problem solving difficult to run foam formulations
Operates the pilot line vacuum line twin screw co-rotating extruder and all related equipment.
Manually cut and string up foam board.
Stack foam boards at the end of the extruder line.
Manufactures quality repeatable and reproducible experimental extruded XPS foam samples.
Utilizes the pilot line workflow process and software to communicate written and visual observations and processing conditions about trials to managers and formulators.
Operates a forklift and related attachments.
Certified to ship and receive dangerous goods such as flammable one-ton blowing agent cylinders.
Manage the pilot line inventory.
Capable and willing to work occasional overtime beyond the standard 5 days, 40 hour week.
Troubleshoot basic malfunctions on pilot line equipment.
Assist the maintenance and repair work on the pilot line equipment.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Polymer/Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical/Chemical Engineering, or similar field
5 – 10% travel required
Prefered Experience
Hands on experience with twin screw co-rotating foam extruders. Thorough understanding of the relationships between pressure/temperature/extruder screw speed/solids rate/vacuum levels and the effects that each has on the foam process. Ability to pay attention to details and sometimes perform repetitive work.
Manual dexterity required for operating machinery and performing tool changes during maintenance and repairs. Hands-on aptitude and flexibility to work in service group supporting changing needs of formulators.
Ability to lift up-to 45 pounds required.
Basic knowledge of hand tools.
Basic knowledge of fasteners.
Basic working knowledge of liquid blowing agent stands, gas/liquid CO2 stands, vacuum systems, feeder systems, foam die and shaping systems, and heating/cooling water and oil systems.
Working knowledge of HMI (Human Machine Interface) software such as Wonderware InTouch to run the extruder is desirable.
Proficiency employing typical productivity software such as MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook
and PowerPoint) is required.
Experience working with spreadsheets and databases.
Experience working with SAP is preferred not required.
Experience writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Job Hazard Assessments (JHAs) is preferred not required.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Customer Driven - Always honors promises and treats customers the way they deserve to be treated, provides quality results in the most expedient manner to external and internal customers. Provide technical support in form of written and oral communication and be the “eyes and ears” of the formulators while producing their experimental samples. And provide relevant feedback.
Teamwork Oriented - Self-starter who works with minimal supervision that balances multiple assignments; works effectively with the lab team, customers, other Innovation groups.
Adaptability - ability to respond quickly to the demands of the moment. A flexible person who can stay productive when the demands of work pull in many different directions at once. Maintaining effectiveness in a variety of environments.
Accountability - knows what needs to be done and gets it done. Willingly takes responsibility for project outcomes as a whole; unafraid of owning the results, actions and decisions of self or organization. Committed to follow through to completion.